5G Americas recently published 5G Spectrum Vision, outlining the spectrum inventory opportunities for 5G in the Americas and other regions. The report provides an industry analysis of the characteristics of various frequency bands, including the challenges and opportunities using these bands for 5G. The white paper identifies the bands with the potential for 5G services, making recommendations on mechanisms for spectrum clearing, spectrum sharing and the necessary industry and regulatory actions to provide more licensed spectrum for 5G.

“5G Spectrum Vision accumulates a great amount of spectrum inventory information and reviews the opportunities as well as the limitations that may be encountered and the actions needed by the regulatory officials for spectrum bands covering low, mid and millimeter wave spectrum. The paper makes recommendations for establishing a competitive spectrum portfolio for 5G.” — Bill Chotiner, director, Radio Access Network Evolution at Ericsson and a co-leader of the white paper working group

5G technical standardization and successful trials led to the first commercial 5G deployments at the end of 2018. The number of commercial launches and broader deployments will increase over the next few years, particularly in North America and key markets across Asia-Pacific and Europe. Key factors that will assure 5G investment and success are largely contingent on the availability of sufficient spectrum. The 5G Americas’ report offers recommendations for achieving this goal, including:

  • Operators need access to a sufficient supply of harmonized low band, mid band and high band spectrum to deliver on the 5G promises.
  • Processes in North America must accelerate to introduce the spectrum necessary for supporting the developing global 5G ecosystem.
  • Spectrum identification and allocation opportunities below 3 GHz must continue to be considered.
  • Licensed use of spectrum in the range 7 to 24 GHz must also be explored.
  • All or a significant portion of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz band for licensed flexible deployment should be made available as soon as possible.
“What will be needed as the next important elements for 5G success are network density coupled with the availability of sufficient internationally harmonized low band, mid banb and high band spectrum. It is encouraging to watch the market and policy dynamics towards a favorable climate for 5G — largely developed by regulators acting to identify and allocate more licensed spectrum.” — Chris Pearson, president of 5G Americas